Design Guidelines
Everything you need to prepare print-ready files. Follow these guidelines to ensure your prints come out exactly as you envision them.
Customer Responsibility
Quality Print Center prints files exactly as submitted. It is the customer's sole responsibility to ensure all files meet the specifications listed below before uploading.
Files Are Printed As-Is
We do not modify, adjust, or correct submitted artwork. If your file has incorrect resolution, missing bleed, wrong color mode, or un-outlined fonts, the final print will reflect those issues.
No Liability for File Errors
QPC is not responsible for print quality issues resulting from improperly prepared files. This includes but is not limited to: low resolution images, incorrect dimensions, missing bleed, RGB color mode, and fonts that are not converted to outlines.
Verify Before You Submit
Always review your files against our requirements below and use our File Setup Guides for product-specific templates. Once your order enters production, changes cannot be made.
File Requirements
Ensure your files meet these technical specifications for optimal print quality.
Resolution
Minimum 300 DPI (dots per inch) for all standard print products. Large format posters viewed from a distance may use 150 DPI. Low resolution files will result in blurry or pixelated prints.
Color Mode
All files must be in CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction. RGB files will be automatically converted, which may cause noticeable color shifts — especially in blues, greens, and bright reds.
Fonts
Convert all fonts to outlines (paths/curves) before submitting. If fonts are not outlined, they may be substituted with default fonts during printing, altering your design.
Accepted Formats
PDF (preferred), AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, PSD (Photoshop), TIFF, and high-resolution JPG/PNG. PDF files with embedded fonts and images provide the most reliable results.
Bleed & Safe Zone
Bleed and safe zones are critical for professional-looking prints without white edges or cut-off content.
What is Bleed?
Bleed is the area of your design that extends beyond the final trim edge. Standard bleed is 0.125" (1/8 inch) on all sides. This ensures no white borders appear after the paper is cut to its final size.
Safe Zone
Keep all important content (text, logos, key graphics) at least 0.125" inside the trim line. For booklets, keep content 0.5" from the gutter (binding edge). For rounded-corner business cards, use 3/16" safe zone.
Why It Matters
Without proper bleed, your prints may have uneven white edges. Without a safe zone, important content may be trimmed off during cutting. Both are standard print industry requirements.
Artwork Preparation
Follow these best practices when preparing your design files for print.
Use Vector Graphics When Possible
Vector formats (AI, EPS, PDF) scale without quality loss. Use vector for logos, text, and illustrations. Reserve raster formats (PSD, JPG) for photographs only.
Embed All Images
If your design includes placed/linked images, embed them in the file before exporting. Missing linked images will appear as low-resolution previews or blank boxes in the final print.
Flatten Layers & Transparency
Flatten all layers and transparency effects before exporting to PDF. Unflattened transparency can cause unexpected rendering issues during printing.
Match Dimensions to Ordered Size
Set your document size to match the exact product dimensions you are ordering (plus bleed). Submitting a file at the wrong dimensions may result in unwanted scaling or cropping.
Printing Restrictions
Be aware of these limitations and disclaimers for specific products and materials.
Color Accuracy
Colors on screen (monitors use RGB light) will differ from printed output (CMYK ink on paper). Pantone or spot colors require special handling. QPC is not responsible for color differences between screen and print.
Garment Printing
For custom t-shirts: maximum imprint area varies by garment size. Light-colored shirts produce the most vibrant full-color results. Dark shirts may require additional processing. Printing on collars and seams is not recommended.
Material Variations
Paper stock color, texture, and finish may vary slightly between batches. Coated papers produce more vibrant colors; uncoated papers absorb more ink, resulting in softer tones.
Under-Runs & Spoilage
Industry standard allows up to 3% variation on orders of 100+ units and up to 10% on orders under 100 units. This is a standard printing industry practice.
Turnaround & Deadlines
Understand our production timelines so you can plan accordingly.
Standard Turnaround
2-3 business days for most products. Turnaround time begins once payment is confirmed and all print-ready files are received.
Same-Day Service
Available for orders received and paid before 12:00 PM ET on business days. Orders received after the cutoff will be processed the following business day.
Rush Orders
Rush service options are available for most products at an additional fee. Rush turnaround is typically 1-2 business days.
Holidays & Weekends
We are closed on weekends and observed holidays. Business days do not include Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. Plan ahead for time-sensitive projects.
Changes & Cancellations
Important policies regarding order modifications and cancellations.
Changes After Payment
A $50 change fee applies to any modifications requested after payment has been processed. Changes are only possible before production begins — once your order is in production, no changes can be made.
Cancellations
Orders may be cancelled before production begins, subject to a 15% cancellation fee. Orders already in production cannot be cancelled.
Returned Checks
A $30 fee will be applied for any returned checks. The order will be placed on hold until the payment and fee are resolved.
Quality & Claims
Our quality assurance process and how to handle any issues.
72-Hour Claim Window
All quality claims must be submitted within 72 hours of receiving your order. Include photos of the issue and your order number. Claims submitted after 72 hours may not be honored.
Reprints, Not Refunds
QPC offers reprints for verified quality issues caused by our production process. We do not issue refunds. Reprints are not available for issues caused by customer file errors.
What Qualifies for a Reprint
Printing defects (streaks, smudges, misalignment), wrong material used, incorrect quantity delivered. Does NOT include: color differences from screen, issues caused by low-resolution files, or design errors in customer artwork.
Ready to Place Your Order?
Now that you know the requirements, browse our products and get an instant quote. We are here to help if you have any questions.